WEBVTT
00:00:00.239 --> 00:00:02.479
Welcome back to Balance Unfiltered.
00:00:02.720 --> 00:00:07.040
I'm your host, Aisha, and I'm so grateful you're here with me today.
00:00:07.280 --> 00:00:14.240
I'm excited to share this episode because it helps to bridge the gap between neurodivergence and trauma.
00:00:14.400 --> 00:00:16.399
It helps it to bring full circle.
00:00:16.640 --> 00:00:23.679
The topic that we're discussing is often misunderstood and incredibly important.
00:00:24.320 --> 00:00:28.879
We're discussing the connection between neurodivergence and trauma.
00:00:29.120 --> 00:00:40.000
We're talking about how they shape our lived experiences, where they overlap, and why understanding both is crucial for healing, self-awareness, and compassionate support.
00:00:40.719 --> 00:00:54.719
So whether you're neurodivergent yourself, love someone who is, or you're navigating trauma recovery, my hope is that this episode will offer you clarity, validation, and encouragement.
00:00:55.280 --> 00:00:57.920
And be sure to share it with someone you love.
00:00:58.479 --> 00:01:03.119
Let's begin with answering the question: what is neurodivergence?
00:01:03.359 --> 00:01:14.560
The term neurodivergence was coined by the autism rights activist Kasyan Asasu Masum and popularized by the sociologist Judy Singer.
00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:27.760
It's an umbrella term that describes anyone whose brain processes, learns, or behaves differently from what is considered typical or normal by societal standards.
00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:31.359
Neurodivergence is not a flaw or disorder.
00:01:31.519 --> 00:01:35.840
It is naturally a variation of how the brain functions.
00:01:36.079 --> 00:01:53.359
And this can include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette's, sensory processing differences, or anything that impacts cognitive functioning like chronic stress, PTSD, or OCD.
00:01:53.840 --> 00:02:01.840
So experts have estimated that one in five people or 20% of the population are neurodivergent.
00:02:02.480 --> 00:02:05.439
So that means one in five of us.
00:02:05.680 --> 00:02:07.359
Think about that for a moment.
00:02:07.599 --> 00:02:12.080
Neurodivergence isn't rare, it's a part of the human spectrum.
00:02:12.159 --> 00:02:15.759
And sometimes, believe it or not, you won't even notice it.
00:02:16.000 --> 00:02:28.319
It's important to note that neurodivergence exists on a spectrum, not just between diagnostic labels, but how individuals experience the world.
00:02:28.560 --> 00:02:31.919
Every neurodivergent person is different.
00:02:32.240 --> 00:02:45.439
Some may have support needs that are visible, while other people may appear to just be coping just fine externally, but are masking their true selves to fit in.
00:02:45.759 --> 00:02:48.719
And we'll talk about masking in a little bit.
00:02:48.800 --> 00:02:51.039
But for right now, let's talk about trauma.
00:02:51.280 --> 00:03:00.719
Trauma is not just what happens to you, it's what happens inside you as a result of overwhelming external experiences.
00:03:01.199 --> 00:03:08.960
Trauma occurs when there's an inability to cope, and the body stores that stress in our nervous system.
00:03:09.520 --> 00:03:39.680
Trauma can result from a myriad of things, and some of them include different events like accidents, assault, or natural disasters, chronic stressors like emotional neglect, bullying, or systemic oppression, developmental or relational trauma in early childhood, or even medical trauma, especially for neurodivergent individuals whose sensory needs are often dismissed.
00:03:40.240 --> 00:03:52.240
Trauma leaves a psychological imprint and it changes the way we interpret safety, how we relate to our bodies, and how we navigate the world.
00:03:52.560 --> 00:04:02.800
For many people, especially those who are neurodivergent, trauma and nervous system dysregulation are constant companions, so they correlate.
00:04:03.120 --> 00:04:12.719
But let's explore the intersection of neurodivergence and trauma because this is where a lot of misunderstanding and mislabeling happens.
00:04:13.120 --> 00:04:19.519
Neurodivergent individuals often experience higher rates of trauma across their lifetime.
00:04:19.759 --> 00:04:21.360
But here are four reasons why.
00:04:21.519 --> 00:04:27.040
Now, there can be many reasons why, but here are four in particular that I've witnessed.
00:04:27.680 --> 00:04:31.920
Masking and social rejection will be number one.
00:04:32.399 --> 00:04:38.560
Many neurodivergent people learn to hide their true selves just to fit in.
00:04:38.720 --> 00:04:41.199
And this act is called masking.
00:04:41.519 --> 00:04:47.759
This takes a psychological toll over time and often leads to complex trauma.
00:04:48.079 --> 00:04:50.879
Number two, sensory overwhelm.
00:04:51.120 --> 00:04:59.519
In spaces that are not designed with neurodivergent people in mind, sensory input can feel threatening or even painful.
00:04:59.759 --> 00:05:08.160
And over time, repeated sensory trauma can lead to shutdown, meltdowns, anxiety, or even hypervigilance.
00:05:08.639 --> 00:05:12.399
Number three, misdiagnosis and medical trauma.
00:05:12.480 --> 00:05:14.079
And this is a big one.
00:05:14.800 --> 00:05:18.319
They're all big, but this is this is even heavier.
00:05:18.800 --> 00:05:29.920
Neurodivergent people, especially girls, women, and BIPOC individuals, are often misunderstood, undiagnosed, or mislabeled.
00:05:30.319 --> 00:05:37.439
And for that reason alone, the diagnostic process itself can be invalidating or traumatic.
00:05:37.759 --> 00:05:42.800
And lastly, number four, educational and systemic trauma.
00:05:43.199 --> 00:05:47.920
Many neurodivergent people face punishment for things they can't control.
00:05:48.079 --> 00:05:54.399
And oftentimes we see this in children, even in schools or their homes.
00:05:54.560 --> 00:06:07.680
And this could look like them being punished for the need to STEM or not making eye contact or needing more time to process instructions.
00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:14.240
And this one you see a lot during transitions and change of plans.
00:06:14.959 --> 00:06:21.439
Trauma and neurodivergence are often confused because they can look similar on the outside.
00:06:21.920 --> 00:06:30.079
And this could look like disassociation, so emotional dysregulation, shutdowns, meltdowns, and even sensory avoidance.
00:06:30.240 --> 00:06:32.879
But the roots and causes are different.
00:06:33.120 --> 00:06:40.079
And for those of us who are both neurodivergent and trauma survivors, the impact is kind of layered.
00:06:40.399 --> 00:06:48.639
The nervous system is constantly working over time to make sense of the world that doesn't really feel safe or accepting.
00:06:48.959 --> 00:06:53.360
So, how do we bridge the gap between neurodivergence and trauma?
00:06:54.240 --> 00:07:05.600
How can we start creating a world and hitting spaces that affirm neurodivergent experiences and are trauma-informed simultaneously?
00:07:06.639 --> 00:07:14.399
We can begin by number one, acknowledging that both neurodivergence and trauma shape our nervous systems.
00:07:14.720 --> 00:07:23.839
Our ability to regulate, to feel safe, and to stay present is filtered through our lived experiences and how our brains are wired.
00:07:24.240 --> 00:07:30.879
We could also begin by shifting from pathologizing to understanding.
00:07:31.360 --> 00:07:37.600
Neurodivergence is not a disorder to be fixed, is simply a way of being.
00:07:37.839 --> 00:07:47.199
And when we stop framing neurodivergent traits as deficits, then we allow people to show up more fully and safely.
00:07:48.240 --> 00:07:51.279
We could also begin by offering choices.
00:07:51.519 --> 00:08:02.240
We can be flexible and offer consent, whether it's in a classroom, at school, a yoga class, a workplace, or a therapy session.
00:08:02.560 --> 00:08:15.040
Neurodivergence and trauma-impacted people need options that allow them to participate in ways that work for them and their bodies, not necessarily like everyone else.
00:08:15.519 --> 00:08:23.279
And then we can also begin by embracing regulation practices that are sensory safe and accessible.
00:08:23.439 --> 00:08:34.480
And that could mean breath work with visual cues, movement that supports stemming or grounding techniques that don't really require stillness or silence.
00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:45.759
So with that being said, let's take a moment here to land in our bodies with a short, gentle, and inclusive practice.
00:08:46.159 --> 00:08:52.399
And you can practice this wherever you are, any time of day, no matter where.
00:08:53.759 --> 00:09:03.039
So wherever you are, take a deep inhale through the nose and exhale.
00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:10.480
Begin by noticing one thing you can see.
00:09:13.200 --> 00:09:15.840
Just taking that in gently.
00:09:19.440 --> 00:09:22.960
Close the eyes here or just soft in the gaze.
00:09:25.440 --> 00:09:28.159
Begin to notice one thing you feel.
00:09:32.399 --> 00:09:36.159
Maybe it's the chair beneath you.
00:09:37.360 --> 00:09:42.159
Or your feet softly planted on the ground.
00:09:47.600 --> 00:09:50.480
Notice one thing you can hear.
00:09:52.559 --> 00:09:54.799
No need to change anything.
00:09:55.600 --> 00:09:56.799
Just listen.
00:10:02.720 --> 00:10:08.399
If it's cozy for you, place your hands somewhere on your body.
00:10:09.679 --> 00:10:18.159
Whether your heart space, maybe your arms, your legs, or even hand in hand.
00:10:20.080 --> 00:10:21.759
Feel that contact.
00:10:27.519 --> 00:10:32.720
And lastly, I invite you to offer yourself an affirmation here.
00:10:35.679 --> 00:10:43.440
You can choose your own affirmation, or perhaps you can choose one of these that I offer to you.
00:10:44.240 --> 00:10:49.840
You might say to yourself, my brain works differently, and that's okay.
00:10:52.080 --> 00:10:56.639
I'm allowed to feel overwhelmed and still behold.
00:10:59.759 --> 00:11:06.559
I deserve spaces that honor me and see all of me.
00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:15.039
Take a deep breath here, in through the nose.
00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:19.279
Exhale, let it go.
00:11:27.759 --> 00:11:31.279
Softly taking in the space around you.
00:11:35.120 --> 00:11:47.519
If you've ever felt like your brain works differently, like the world moves too fast or asks too much of you, then please know that you are not broken.
00:11:48.159 --> 00:11:49.679
You are not alone.
00:11:50.000 --> 00:11:52.000
You are not too much.
00:11:53.120 --> 00:12:05.519
Whether you identify as neurodivergent, a trauma survivor, or both, you deserve hidden spaces that honor you, your uniqueness, and your full story.
00:12:06.320 --> 00:12:19.840
My hope with this episode is to begin bridging the understanding between these two complex yet beautiful and often misunderstood parts of the human experiences.
00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:42.559
If you're looking for a space to practice mindfulness and yoga virtually while in the comfort of your own space, or if you're looking for a practice that centers you and your needs, I invite you to join Balance and Birch Wellness Center online.
00:12:43.200 --> 00:12:49.360
You can find more information at www.balanceandbirch.com.
00:12:50.080 --> 00:12:55.440
And until next time, be well and go in peace.
00:00:00.239 --> 00:00:02.479
Welcome back to Balance Unfiltered.
00:00:02.720 --> 00:00:07.040
I'm your host, Aisha, and I'm so grateful you're here with me today.
00:00:07.280 --> 00:00:14.240
I'm excited to share this episode because it helps to bridge the gap between neurodivergence and trauma.
00:00:14.400 --> 00:00:16.399
It helps it to bring full circle.
00:00:16.640 --> 00:00:23.679
The topic that we're discussing is often misunderstood and incredibly important.
00:00:24.320 --> 00:00:28.879
We're discussing the connection between neurodivergence and trauma.
00:00:29.120 --> 00:00:40.000
We're talking about how they shape our lived experiences, where they overlap, and why understanding both is crucial for healing, self-awareness, and compassionate support.
00:00:40.719 --> 00:00:54.719
So whether you're neurodivergent yourself, love someone who is, or you're navigating trauma recovery, my hope is that this episode will offer you clarity, validation, and encouragement.
00:00:55.280 --> 00:00:57.920
And be sure to share it with someone you love.
00:00:58.479 --> 00:01:03.119
Let's begin with answering the question: what is neurodivergence?
00:01:03.359 --> 00:01:14.560
The term neurodivergence was coined by the autism rights activist Kasyan Asasu Masum and popularized by the sociologist Judy Singer.
00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:27.760
It's an umbrella term that describes anyone whose brain processes, learns, or behaves differently from what is considered typical or normal by societal standards.
00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:31.359
Neurodivergence is not a flaw or disorder.
00:01:31.519 --> 00:01:35.840
It is naturally a variation of how the brain functions.
00:01:36.079 --> 00:01:53.359
And this can include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette's, sensory processing differences, or anything that impacts cognitive functioning like chronic stress, PTSD, or OCD.
00:01:53.840 --> 00:02:01.840
So experts have estimated that one in five people or 20% of the population are neurodivergent.
00:02:02.480 --> 00:02:05.439
So that means one in five of us.
00:02:05.680 --> 00:02:07.359
Think about that for a moment.
00:02:07.599 --> 00:02:12.080
Neurodivergence isn't rare, it's a part of the human spectrum.
00:02:12.159 --> 00:02:15.759
And sometimes, believe it or not, you won't even notice it.
00:02:16.000 --> 00:02:28.319
It's important to note that neurodivergence exists on a spectrum, not just between diagnostic labels, but how individuals experience the world.
00:02:28.560 --> 00:02:31.919
Every neurodivergent person is different.
00:02:32.240 --> 00:02:45.439
Some may have support needs that are visible, while other people may appear to just be coping just fine externally, but are masking their true selves to fit in.
00:02:45.759 --> 00:02:48.719
And we'll talk about masking in a little bit.
00:02:48.800 --> 00:02:51.039
But for right now, let's talk about trauma.
00:02:51.280 --> 00:03:00.719
Trauma is not just what happens to you, it's what happens inside you as a result of overwhelming external experiences.
00:03:01.199 --> 00:03:08.960
Trauma occurs when there's an inability to cope, and the body stores that stress in our nervous system.
00:03:09.520 --> 00:03:39.680
Trauma can result from a myriad of things, and some of them include different events like accidents, assault, or natural disasters, chronic stressors like emotional neglect, bullying, or systemic oppression, developmental or relational trauma in early childhood, or even medical trauma, especially for neurodivergent individuals whose sensory needs are often dismissed.
00:03:40.240 --> 00:03:52.240
Trauma leaves a psychological imprint and it changes the way we interpret safety, how we relate to our bodies, and how we navigate the world.
00:03:52.560 --> 00:04:02.800
For many people, especially those who are neurodivergent, trauma and nervous system dysregulation are constant companions, so they correlate.
00:04:03.120 --> 00:04:12.719
But let's explore the intersection of neurodivergence and trauma because this is where a lot of misunderstanding and mislabeling happens.
00:04:13.120 --> 00:04:19.519
Neurodivergent individuals often experience higher rates of trauma across their lifetime.
00:04:19.759 --> 00:04:21.360
But here are four reasons why.
00:04:21.519 --> 00:04:27.040
Now, there can be many reasons why, but here are four in particular that I've witnessed.
00:04:27.680 --> 00:04:31.920
Masking and social rejection will be number one.
00:04:32.399 --> 00:04:38.560
Many neurodivergent people learn to hide their true selves just to fit in.
00:04:38.720 --> 00:04:41.199
And this act is called masking.
00:04:41.519 --> 00:04:47.759
This takes a psychological toll over time and often leads to complex trauma.
00:04:48.079 --> 00:04:50.879
Number two, sensory overwhelm.
00:04:51.120 --> 00:04:59.519
In spaces that are not designed with neurodivergent people in mind, sensory input can feel threatening or even painful.
00:04:59.759 --> 00:05:08.160
And over time, repeated sensory trauma can lead to shutdown, meltdowns, anxiety, or even hypervigilance.
00:05:08.639 --> 00:05:12.399
Number three, misdiagnosis and medical trauma.
00:05:12.480 --> 00:05:14.079
And this is a big one.
00:05:14.800 --> 00:05:18.319
They're all big, but this is this is even heavier.
00:05:18.800 --> 00:05:29.920
Neurodivergent people, especially girls, women, and BIPOC individuals, are often misunderstood, undiagnosed, or mislabeled.
00:05:30.319 --> 00:05:37.439
And for that reason alone, the diagnostic process itself can be invalidating or traumatic.
00:05:37.759 --> 00:05:42.800
And lastly, number four, educational and systemic trauma.
00:05:43.199 --> 00:05:47.920
Many neurodivergent people face punishment for things they can't control.
00:05:48.079 --> 00:05:54.399
And oftentimes we see this in children, even in schools or their homes.
00:05:54.560 --> 00:06:07.680
And this could look like them being punished for the need to STEM or not making eye contact or needing more time to process instructions.
00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:14.240
And this one you see a lot during transitions and change of plans.
00:06:14.959 --> 00:06:21.439
Trauma and neurodivergence are often confused because they can look similar on the outside.
00:06:21.920 --> 00:06:30.079
And this could look like disassociation, so emotional dysregulation, shutdowns, meltdowns, and even sensory avoidance.
00:06:30.240 --> 00:06:32.879
But the roots and causes are different.
00:06:33.120 --> 00:06:40.079
And for those of us who are both neurodivergent and trauma survivors, the impact is kind of layered.
00:06:40.399 --> 00:06:48.639
The nervous system is constantly working over time to make sense of the world that doesn't really feel safe or accepting.
00:06:48.959 --> 00:06:53.360
So, how do we bridge the gap between neurodivergence and trauma?
00:06:54.240 --> 00:07:05.600
How can we start creating a world and hitting spaces that affirm neurodivergent experiences and are trauma-informed simultaneously?
00:07:06.639 --> 00:07:14.399
We can begin by number one, acknowledging that both neurodivergence and trauma shape our nervous systems.
00:07:14.720 --> 00:07:23.839
Our ability to regulate, to feel safe, and to stay present is filtered through our lived experiences and how our brains are wired.
00:07:24.240 --> 00:07:30.879
We could also begin by shifting from pathologizing to understanding.
00:07:31.360 --> 00:07:37.600
Neurodivergence is not a disorder to be fixed, is simply a way of being.
00:07:37.839 --> 00:07:47.199
And when we stop framing neurodivergent traits as deficits, then we allow people to show up more fully and safely.
00:07:48.240 --> 00:07:51.279
We could also begin by offering choices.
00:07:51.519 --> 00:08:02.240
We can be flexible and offer consent, whether it's in a classroom, at school, a yoga class, a workplace, or a therapy session.
00:08:02.560 --> 00:08:15.040
Neurodivergence and trauma-impacted people need options that allow them to participate in ways that work for them and their bodies, not necessarily like everyone else.
00:08:15.519 --> 00:08:23.279
And then we can also begin by embracing regulation practices that are sensory safe and accessible.
00:08:23.439 --> 00:08:34.480
And that could mean breath work with visual cues, movement that supports stemming or grounding techniques that don't really require stillness or silence.
00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:45.759
So with that being said, let's take a moment here to land in our bodies with a short, gentle, and inclusive practice.
00:08:46.159 --> 00:08:52.399
And you can practice this wherever you are, any time of day, no matter where.
00:08:53.759 --> 00:09:03.039
So wherever you are, take a deep inhale through the nose and exhale.
00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:10.480
Begin by noticing one thing you can see.
00:09:13.200 --> 00:09:15.840
Just taking that in gently.
00:09:19.440 --> 00:09:22.960
Close the eyes here or just soft in the gaze.
00:09:25.440 --> 00:09:28.159
Begin to notice one thing you feel.
00:09:32.399 --> 00:09:36.159
Maybe it's the chair beneath you.
00:09:37.360 --> 00:09:42.159
Or your feet softly planted on the ground.
00:09:47.600 --> 00:09:50.480
Notice one thing you can hear.
00:09:52.559 --> 00:09:54.799
No need to change anything.
00:09:55.600 --> 00:09:56.799
Just listen.
00:10:02.720 --> 00:10:08.399
If it's cozy for you, place your hands somewhere on your body.
00:10:09.679 --> 00:10:18.159
Whether your heart space, maybe your arms, your legs, or even hand in hand.
00:10:20.080 --> 00:10:21.759
Feel that contact.
00:10:27.519 --> 00:10:32.720
And lastly, I invite you to offer yourself an affirmation here.
00:10:35.679 --> 00:10:43.440
You can choose your own affirmation, or perhaps you can choose one of these that I offer to you.
00:10:44.240 --> 00:10:49.840
You might say to yourself, my brain works differently, and that's okay.
00:10:52.080 --> 00:10:56.639
I'm allowed to feel overwhelmed and still behold.
00:10:59.759 --> 00:11:06.559
I deserve spaces that honor me and see all of me.
00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:15.039
Take a deep breath here, in through the nose.
00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:19.279
Exhale, let it go.
00:11:27.759 --> 00:11:31.279
Softly taking in the space around you.
00:11:35.120 --> 00:11:47.519
If you've ever felt like your brain works differently, like the world moves too fast or asks too much of you, then please know that you are not broken.
00:11:48.159 --> 00:11:49.679
You are not alone.
00:11:50.000 --> 00:11:52.000
You are not too much.
00:11:53.120 --> 00:12:05.519
Whether you identify as neurodivergent, a trauma survivor, or both, you deserve hidden spaces that honor you, your uniqueness, and your full story.
00:12:06.320 --> 00:12:19.840
My hope with this episode is to begin bridging the understanding between these two complex yet beautiful and often misunderstood parts of the human experiences.
00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:42.559
If you're looking for a space to practice mindfulness and yoga virtually while in the comfort of your own space, or if you're looking for a practice that centers you and your needs, I invite you to join Balance and Birch Wellness Center online.
00:12:43.200 --> 00:12:49.360
You can find more information at www.balanceandbirch.com.
00:12:50.080 --> 00:12:55.440
And until next time, be well and go in peace.
